Financial Assistance

The Financial Readiness Program offers a wide range of services to assist soldiers and their families to live within their means and invest for the future. Emphasis is placed upon money management, proper use of credit, checking account management, having adequate insurance, and financial planning for deployment, relocation, retirement and transition. The FRP is designed to educate soldiers on their rights as consumers. The goal is to enlighten soldiers and their families on procedures in resolving consumer complaint problems and issues.

The expense of food and incidentals is usually where soldiers and their families miscalculate and exceed their travel budgets. It is highly recommended that you develop a spending plan by either visiting an Army Community Service financial counselor at your current station or utilize online tools, such as Financial Frontline or MilitaryOneSource personal finance tools. A relocation checklist is available for you to use as a reminder of important tasks to prepare yourself.

If you find you need additional funds, the Army Emergency Relief Office may provide an interest-free loan repayable by allotment. You may apply for assistance with food and temporary lodging as well as initial rent and deposits.

Beware of rent-to-own establishments. If you don't have all the furniture you need, wait until you have the cash to pay for it. Many times you can pick things up at the post consignment shop at very reasonable prices. If you rent-to-own, you will most likely pay two or three times the amount of what the item is worth during your contract. AER is available to provide furniture to soldiers who are newly married, establishing a new household at their first-duty station or a single parent with first newborn.

Beware of check-cashing establishments off post. Unfortunately, where there are military installations, there are people waiting to take your money. You will pay a large percentage of your check for them to hold it until payday. Please contact AER if you need assistance.

You can never be financially overprepared for your move. The government moves your household goods and provides travel funds, but it’s probably not enough to cover all your expenses. Please make note of the important following information. If this is your first permanent change of station, Dislocation Allowance is payable only if dependents actually move from the service member’s residence to the Permanent Duty Station or designated place in connection with the PCS. You must file a dependent travel voucher with your servicing Finance Office (travel section). DLA is not payable on your final move, for your separation or retirement.

Temporary Living Expense is payable incident to a move when entering active duty to the first PDS for enlisted and officer members. TLE is not payable on your final move. Proper documents must be submitted to your gaining Finance Office for payment of this allowance. When in- or out-processing, always ask your finance representative what entitlements and allowances you may be entitled to receive. Your S-1 personnel should be able to assist you.

Temporary Lodging Allowance applies to overseas moves. Verify your entitlements with the local Finance Office prior to or during in- or out-processing your station. Fortunately, Fort Knox has ample available housing and TLE should be short term. Camp Carlson is a wonderful outdoor camping facility, should you prefer to stay in a cabin or your personal recreational vehicle.

Contact the Financial Readiness Program for an appointment at 502-624-5989.

AER is a non-profit organization which provides emergency loans to soldiers in crisis. Financial assistance is generally for emergency food or travel but may be available for essential POV repairs, insurance, rent, or utility bills. In addition, AER has information available on educational financial assistance. Although AER is a private organization, its mission is solely to help Army personnel and their family members. AER is the U.S. Army's emergency financial assistance organization and a key element in helping the Army take care of its own.